New Ferris Traditions
A new idea succeeds and is repeated the following year.
Minor changes streamline the process and new people are involved, but the
core idea remains. A tradition is born.
(Information Systems Management students with their winning bridge which held 42 pounds.)
A Friendly
Competition
Joseph Rallo, dean of the College of Business, issued a challenge to his fellow deans to compete in FSU's first Spaghetti Bridge Building Contest in February of 1998. The event proved so popular that the contest was held again this year. The student competition, titled "FSU Deans' Challenge Cup" is designed to foster friendly competition among the Colleges.
The deans enter teams comprised of members from recognized student organizations housed in that dean's College. Student participants are provided boxes of spaghetti, glue and hot glue guns with which to build the strongest possible bridge in one hour. The bridge must span a 24-inch open area as well as meet a number of other criteria. Finalists build a second bridge in a two-hour contest to determine the winners of the Challenge Cup.
Prizes and cash awards also are given to the teams who build the ugliest, most beautiful, gaudiest and weakest bridges.
All participants and spectators are treated to a free spaghetti lunch.
First Impressions
Now in its fourth year, the First Impressions program exemplifies a tradition of service, specifically, welcoming students to the main campus at the beginning of each academic semester. Information tents staffed by volunteers from the faculty, staff, student body and administration greet and guide new students through their first days on campus.
New Campus, New Tradition
Ferris State University Grand Rapids holds a casual series of student receptions at the beginning of each semester at the Applied Technology Center. Students can stop in any night Monday through Thursday, enjoy light refreshments, visit with faculty and staff and register for prize drawings.
"It's a nice informal way to welcome our students back and meet our new students," said Paul Prins, Vice Chancellor/Dean of Academic Programs for FSU-GR.
For the Good of the (Campus) Spirit
The Pride Committee was established in 1994 to "promote a spirit of cooperation, unification and pride at Ferris State." The committee participates in Homecoming, First Impressions and student-centered events such as Autumn Adventure and Sunday Funday. It helped purchase the giant inflatable bulldog tunnel for use at University functions and organized the hanging of FSU banners and flags throughout campus and the Big Rapids community. The committee also sponsors a monthly Pride Day when University personnel are encouraged to wear their FSU insignia apparel and "Pride Pins."
Ferris Renaissance
The Michigan Art Walk, designed to beautify campus with the works of Michigan artists, is but one element of the Ferris Renaissance. The 20-year plan is geared to bring the community and campus together for a celebration of the arts. For the most recent sculpture unveiled, see "On Campus" in this issue.
Tradition of Giving
Philanthropy lies at the heart of human greatness.
- J. Patrick Ryan
Giving to a favorite cause or organization has been an American tradition for a long time. In 1789 Ben Franklin's will directed that trusts be established in the amount of 1,000 English pounds each for the cities of Philadelphia and Boston. Franklin's will went a step further by stipulating that the income from the trusts be reinvested for 200 years. When distributed in 1989, Philadelphia's fund totaled $2.3 million and Boston's, $4.7 million.
People often assume that only the rich give or that wealthy corporations are the primary donors in the United States. However, as Douglas M. Lawson said, "Philanthropy flows from a loving heart, not an overstuffed pocketbook."
According to Giving USA, of the $143.7 billion contributed by Americans in 1997, individuals gave $109.3 billion, or 76 percent. They contributed to their favorite causes, to their churches, to their local United Way, and to their favorite schools. In fact, Americans contributed an astounding $21.5 billion to colleges, universities, schools and libraries.
Here at Ferris State University, we have our own traditions of philanthropy, beginning with alumni. In 1998 alone, nearly 2,000 alumni donated cash and in-kind gifts in support of student scholarships, colleges or departments, programs and to beautify the campus.
Gifts from corporations, foundations and other Ferris friends brought the year's total gifts to almost three million dollars.
Much of our institution's success can be directly attributed to this continuing generosity. Now that is a tradition in which we can all take pride.
